Science

We want our students to become future scientists and engineers who enjoy and value the learning opportunities provided for them here at The Orchard Centre.

“A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.”

Our science curriculum is broad, balanced and relevant to the needs of all our students. We offer a range of progression routes which enable students to close the gap between an interrupted educational career and their mainstream goal. The curriculum not only develops students’ knowledge and understanding in a range of science topic areas, it enables them to develop the skills required to become more independent, creative and innovative learners in order to make other links between their subject knowledge.

At Key Stage 3 pupils follow the Activate scheme written by Oxford University Press and supported by the online resource ‘Kerboodle’ which allows access to an interactive book and other fun resources.

In Biology students will cover;

Structure and function of living organisms

Material Cycles and Energy

Interactions and Interdependencies

Genes and Evolution

In Chemistry students will cover;

Particulate nature of matter

Atoms, Elements and Compounds

Pure and Impure substances

Chemical Reactions

Energetics

The Periodic Table

Materials

Earth and Atmosphere

In Physics students will cover;

Energy

Motion and Forces

Waves

Electricity and Electromagnetism

Matter

Space Physics

Building up of Key Skills

Maths, literacy and working scientifically skills are embedded throughout, with progression of skills carefully planned, and supported by tasks and assessments to help monitor progress.